by virtualm
Tue Jan 04, 2011 8:00 am
Hi Guys,
WOW! This nearly happened to me yesterday, I googled the email address - [email protected] and found this forum.
I also nearly fell for this scammer, was looking for an apartment in London I advertised on Gumtree (UK) and they approached me with a "seems to good to be true" and sure enough it was, as soon as western union was mentioned it set off alarm bells - see the email below:-
I've reported them to Gumtree, tempted to take this further..........probably a waste of time as they are likely to be located in Africa.
WOW! This nearly happened to me yesterday, I googled the email address - [email protected] and found this forum.
I also nearly fell for this scammer, was looking for an apartment in London I advertised on Gumtree (UK) and they approached me with a "seems to good to be true" and sure enough it was, as soon as western union was mentioned it set off alarm bells - see the email below:-
Hi xxxxx,
Let me know when you want to come and view my flat, so that i will plan my time here and make sure am there before you arrive.
The only thing is that i need double assurance, because i want to avoid traveling from Birmingham to London in vain, i can afford my fare, but i can't afford to waste my time.
My Lawyer will get a contract ready for you to sign if you like to take the flat after viewing and the keys will be handed over to you immediately after contract has been signed.
Also, receipt of payment will be issued to you after which you'll have to sign the lease agreement form.
I was discussing with my Lawyer about the idea on how i will be so sure that i will not just waste my time to London without achieving my the aim and she advised that we can work out something via Western Union Money Transfer.
She said that Western Union Money Transfer can actually hold the money as an evidence and surety that her tenant will pay her at least for the first month and deposit. She gave me an option on what we can do since you have the funds at hand which will be explained below:
PROCEDURE:
1) Transfer the amount £1995 (1 month rent and security deposit) to any of your family members (wife, dad, mum, siblings) or your friend.
Your Name (as Sender) to any of your family members (wife, dad, mum, siblings) or your friend (as Receiver) in London or other parts of UK.
2) Scan & Send a copy of the Western Union transaction receipt as a proof of the transaction or mail me the transaction details. (The money is safe as it is only you that can withdraw since you need a national ID card or International passport)
3) Then, we will meet for viewing.
4) If you decide to take the flat, we will go to any local Western Union Money Transfer office for you to pick up the money and pay me. (You don't need to come with cash to view, after viewing we will go together, you will cancel the transfer and withdraw the money to pay me).
5) Keys will be handed over to you after signing the contracts.
I am pretty sure that the transaction at Western Union office will require some charges, i will definitely refund the transaction charges back to you upon viewing and if you don't see what i sent as pictures of my flat to you, you are free to leave without paying me anything.
I only want to be sure that i am not going to waste my time this time around and i think with this condition, both of us can be sure we are not wasting our time.
I will only rely on your honesty that you have made the transaction so that i can reserve the flat for you.
Let me know if you are okay with this so that we can proceed. Thanks so much while i will be waiting to read from you and i am looking forward to meet you and be great friends eventually.
NB: PLS DO NOT MAKE PAYMENT TO ME OR IN MY NAME, WHAT I NEED IS JUST AN EVIDENCE THAT YOU HAVE THE CASH TO PAY ONCE YOU HAVE VIEWED.
My contact number is 07956010336 i do have network problems with my phone at the moment but can receive text messages and then i can call you back at my spare time.
I am sorry for the lengthy mail, i only want to explain myself better.
Warm regards and have a nice day.
Tiziana
I've reported them to Gumtree, tempted to take this further..........probably a waste of time as they are likely to be located in Africa.
